Prior to this year’s Roots and Blues Festival, we were hearing concerns this was a make-or-break year for the future of the festival.
Last year, organizers were forced to go hat-in hand to the city for additional funds, and also brought in the Powder Blues for a Save-the-Festival concert.
Mother Nature was a bit fickle this year, with Friday night’s torrential rain, thunder and lightning storm, that kept some potential patrons at home rather than buying tickets and joining the fun. Clearly, a reduction of 2,000 paying customers won’t help the festival’s bottom line.
When the dust settles and the true financial picture emerges, there may be some blues songs sung to the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society board by their bookkeepers.
But don’t count out Roots and Blues just yet.
Many, many people in this city and region realize what a boost the festival brings, not only to the economic balance sheet of the town, but to its cultural enrichment and our reputation as a fun, family-friendly place to visit.
Nothing rallies people like adversity and a common goal. We have no doubt the show will go on. Viva Roots and Blues!